The study of Human Geography is not only fascinating, it is essential to growing into a highly competent educator. Each persons identity is closely linked to the place in which they grew up. A persons identity will certainly effect the way they learn.
While it would be near impossible for an educator to be familiar with every unique culture in the world, it is important to learn about each of the cultures of our various students as we encounter them in class. Not only will it be fun to learn about the different cultures, but I believe it would be appreciated by the students. I have heard it said that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. I believe it would make for a very enjoyable teaching experience to make this learning about the various cultures of our students and their families a standard practice.
Assigned: How can we effectively address globalization issues in our classroom?
After watching the youtube video on the negative effects of globalization in class, I realized the key to making positive change in the world is awareness. I believe most people in the world want to do what is good for the people who live here and the planet we live on. There is so much information for and against thinking globally, it can make your head spin. I will definitely be doing more research in this area.
For now, I think everyone can agree truly helping people who are in need, wherever we find them, is a worthy venture. As for helping our students to become aware and involved, I would first start locally. I would arrange for groups of my students, as they were able, to help out with some local organizations who help people in need. For example, The Society of St. Andrews organizes groups to pick leftover fruit and vegetables from trees and fields which are not being harvested or have already had the main portion removed. The Mustard Seed, Coalition for the Homeless and Second Harvest are also great organizations who would be happy to help groups of our students get involved.
Once the young people have had the experience of helping people locally, some will be ready for grander adventures helping people around the world. The key is to make the children aware of the reality by inspiring them to get involved locally. Then you could have them do a short writing assignment or an oral presentation on their experience. Next you could show them a video on need around the world. Finally, you could have them complete a project on how to get involved globally. This could include finding out where there is a need for food or education? What organizations are currently or planning on working with that community? What are the costs involved? Even if they currently don't have the time or funds available to go, they will be aware of where the need is and how you get involved globally.
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